Let's dive into comparing two impressive home theater projectors - the upcoming BenQ V5010i and the recently released AWOL Vision LTV-2500. As someone who's spent countless hours testing projectors, I'll help you understand what makes these models special and who they're best for.
Before we get into the specifics, let's talk about what makes ultra short throw (UST) projectors unique. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, USTs can create massive images from just inches away. This means you can place them in a TV console and still get a massive 100-inch or larger picture without anyone walking through the projection beam.
The technology has come a long way in recent years. Early USTs struggled with brightness and color accuracy, but modern laser-based models like these two deliver impressive performance that can rival high-end TVs in many situations.
Both the BenQ V5010i and AWOL LTV-2500 use triple laser technology, which is currently the gold standard for projector light sources. Instead of using a traditional lamp or single laser, they employ separate red, green, and blue lasers for superior color accuracy and consistency over time.
The BenQ V5010i brings 2500 ANSI lumens to the table, which is notably brighter than the AWOL's 2000 ANSI lumens. In practical terms, this means the BenQ will perform better in rooms with some ambient light - think afternoon movie sessions or sports viewing parties where you don't want complete darkness.
However, raw brightness isn't everything. The AWOL LTV-2500 has received praise for its superior HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing and includes Dolby Vision support - a premium HDR format that can adjust picture settings scene-by-scene for optimal image quality. The BenQ lacks Dolby Vision, though it does support HDR10, which is still quite capable.
For gamers, input lag (the delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen) is crucial. The BenQ V5010i shows its gaming focus with an impressive 8.7ms lag at 1080p/240Hz, while the AWOL LTV-2500 manages 15ms at 4K/60Hz or 8ms at 1080p/120Hz.
Both projectors support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), which automatically switches to game mode when it detects a console or gaming PC. This is particularly useful for casual gamers who don't want to mess with settings every time they switch between movies and games.
Setting up a UST projector can be tricky - they're quite sensitive to positioning, and small adjustments can make a big difference in image quality. Both projectors include auto-alignment features to help with this, but there are some differences in their approach.
The BenQ V5010i offers more comprehensive calibration tools, which home theater enthusiasts might appreciate. The AWOL LTV-2500, meanwhile, provides better smart home integration, including Control4 compatibility for those with automated home systems.
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 is currently available at $2,999, while the BenQ V5010i's price hasn't been announced yet as it's still upcoming. Looking at similar models in BenQ's lineup, we might expect it to land in a similar price range.
The AWOL includes premium features like Dolby Vision and advanced smart home integration, which help justify its price point. The BenQ's value proposition will largely depend on its eventual pricing, but its superior brightness and gaming performance could make it compelling for the right user.
For dedicated home theater use, both projectors have their strengths. The AWOL's superior HDR processing and Dolby Vision support make it particularly appealing for movie enthusiasts who want the best possible image quality in a dark room. Its 107% coverage of the BT.2020 color space is impressive and ensures vibrant, accurate colors.
The BenQ's higher brightness might seem unnecessary for a dark theater, but it provides more flexibility if you occasionally want to watch with some lights on or during the day. Its comprehensive calibration options also allow for fine-tuning the image to your specific room conditions.
Both projectors include built-in sound systems, but as with most projectors, you'll want to pair them with a proper home theater audio setup for the best experience. They both support eARC for easy connection to modern AV receivers or soundbars.
The UST projector market has seen significant advances in the past few years. The adoption of triple laser light sources has dramatically improved color accuracy and eliminated the need for lamp replacements. HDR processing has also improved substantially, with both these models handling HDR content better than previous generations.
The AWOL LTV-2500, released in mid-2024, represents the current state of the art in HDR processing and color accuracy. The upcoming BenQ V5010i appears to be focusing on gaming performance and brightness, suggesting manufacturers are starting to target specific use cases rather than trying to be all things to all users.
The choice between these projectors really comes down to your primary use case:
Choose the BenQ V5010i if:
Choose the AWOL LTV-2500 if:
Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, but they do target slightly different users. The AWOL LTV-2500 is more focused on premium movie watching, while the BenQ V5010i appears to be positioning itself as a more versatile option with gaming capabilities.
Remember that either projector will benefit significantly from a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, which can cost $1,000 or more but is essential for getting the best performance from these high-end UST projectors.
The UST projector market continues to evolve rapidly, with each new model bringing meaningful improvements. Whether you choose the BenQ V5010i or AWOL Vision LTV-2500, you'll be getting a capable home theater centerpiece that can create a massive, high-quality image in spaces where traditional projectors wouldn't work.
Consider your specific needs, room conditions, and primary use cases when making your decision. Both projectors excel in their target areas, and either one could be the perfect choice depending on your priorities.
| BenQ V5010i | AWOL Vision LTV-2500 |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light or daytime viewing | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 2,000 ANSI lumens (best in controlled lighting) |
| HDR Support - Determines quality of high dynamic range content | |
| HDR10/HLG (good but basic) | Dolby Vision/HDR10+/HLG (superior, auto-adjusting HDR) |
| Gaming Latency - Lower numbers mean less delay for gaming | |
| 8.7ms at 1080p/240Hz (excellent for competitive) | 15ms at 4K/60Hz (good for casual gaming) |
| Color Gamut - Wider coverage means more vivid colors | |
| 95% BT.2020 (excellent color range) | 107% BT.2020 (class-leading color) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and integration | |
| Basic smart features, Google Assistant | Advanced smart home integration, Control4 compatible |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality matters if not using external speakers | |
| 40W (2x5W tweeters, 2x15W woofers) | 36W stereo with Dolby Atmos support |
| Price - Consider value vs features | |
| TBD (upcoming release) | $2,999 (includes premium HDR features) |
| Laser Life - How long before potential replacement | |
| 20,000 hours (about 10 years typical use) | 25,000 hours (about 12 years typical use) |
The AWOL Vision LTV-2500 has superior HDR processing and Dolby Vision support, making it the better choice for movie watching. While the BenQ V5010i offers good picture quality, the AWOL's advanced HDR capabilities provide better contrast and color accuracy in dark scenes.
The BenQ V5010i with its 2,500 ANSI lumens performs better in bright rooms compared to the AWOL LTV-2500's 2,000 ANSI lumens. This higher brightness makes the BenQ more versatile for daytime viewing or rooms with ambient light.
The BenQ V5010i offers superior gaming performance with 8.7ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz, while the AWOL LTV-2500 manages 15ms at 4K/60Hz. For competitive gamers, the BenQ is the clear choice.
Yes, both the BenQ V5010i and AWOL LTV-2500 require an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. Regular projector screens won't work as effectively and may result in washed-out images.
The AWOL LTV-2500 offers more comprehensive smart home integration, including Control4 compatibility. The BenQ V5010i provides basic smart features with Google Assistant, making the AWOL better for automated home theaters.
The AWOL LTV-2500 offers 25,000 hours of laser life, while the BenQ V5010i provides 20,000 hours. Both are excellent and translate to about 10-12 years of typical use.
Yes, both the BenQ V5010i and AWOL LTV-2500 can effectively replace a TV, offering 100"+ images with excellent quality. However, they perform best in controlled lighting conditions.
While both projectors have built-in speakers, for a true home theater experience, external speakers are recommended. Both the AWOL LTV-2500 and BenQ V5010i support eARC for connection to home theater audio systems.
The AWOL LTV-2500 has an advantage with Dolby Vision support, making it better for streaming services that offer this format. The BenQ V5010i still provides good streaming quality but without Dolby Vision's advanced HDR capabilities.
Both the BenQ V5010i and AWOL LTV-2500 can project a 100-inch image from approximately 8-9 inches from the wall, making them ideal for furniture placement similar to a TV stand.
The AWOL LTV-2500 is currently available at $2,999 with premium features like Dolby Vision. The BenQ V5010i's value can't be assessed until its price is announced, but its higher brightness and gaming features could justify a similar price point.
Yes, both the AWOL LTV-2500 and BenQ V5010i support modern surround sound connections through eARC, making them compatible with today's home theater audio systems and soundbars.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorscreenstore.com - projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - lbtechreviews.com - youtube.com - benq.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - visunext.co.uk - fonearena.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - benq.com - projectorjunkies.com - dreamediaav.com - projectorjunkies.com - avsforum.com - nothingprojector.com - projectorreviews.com - vividstorm.eu - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - dreamediaav.com
